Crested Serpent Eagle Chick 'Jiu Xing' Dies in Pingtung, Pesticide Poisoning Suspected

Central News Agency, Pingtung County, June 1. 'Jiu Xing,' a Crested Serpent Eagle chick featured in the 'Born for the Eagle' live stream in Pingtung, showed signs of vomiting yesterday and died around 8:00 AM today. Researchers have sent the chick for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, though they suspect poisoning from pesticides or rodenticides. Lin Hui-shan, founder of the channel, noted that raptors are high in the food chain, making them susceptible to bioaccumulation of toxins. The chick was 43 days old. After its death, the mother bird was seen covering the chick with branches. The live stream aimed to raise awareness about raptor life and environmental safety. Viewers have expressed a desire to support eco-friendly agricultural products in response to the tragedy.